Independent Living Summer Series

July 7th - September 22nd Thursdays from 6-8 PM Admission is Free

(7/7) Week 1 - Tapping into Your Creativity
(7/14) Week 2 - Tools for Finding Employment
(7/21) Week 3 - Stress Management and Laughing Yoga
(7/28) Week 4 - Advocacy and Transportation
(8/4) Week 5 - Computers and Social Media

(8/11) Week 6 - Using Community Resources and Personal Finances Wisely

This program is brought to you by disABILITY LINK
For more information contact Kenya Phillips, IL Class Coordinator, at 404-687-8890 X 113 or e-mail kphillips@disABILITYLINK.org
This is a 12 week series, space is limited please RSVP.

Each class will cover a different Independent Living topic.
Weeks 7-12 to be announced later

Lois Curtis Meets President Barack Obama

(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The memories of living in institutional settings since the age of 13 will always be with Lois Curtis even though her life today is beyond what she ever could have imagined when she made the first of many brave phone calls to my office at the Atlanta Legal Aid Society saying, “I want to get out!” The journey (and struggle) from that day includes an historic Supreme Court decision, a home of her own and a successful career as an artist. And now, a meeting with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office as we observe the 12th anniversary of the Olmsteaddecision.  

The Olmstead story began long before the Supreme Court decision. Lois and another plaintiff, Elaine Wilson (who passed away in 2004), were in a state psychiatric hospital in Georgia. They filed suit in 1995 seeking disability services in the community. On the fateful day that brought us to Washington D.C., those of us who had worked on the case for five years were perhaps more amazed than Lois that we were climbing the steps of the United States Supreme Court, moving through hundreds of persons with signs, many in wheelchairs, who had spent most of the previous night in a disability civil rights vigil. The lawyers were focused on the frightening possibility that the Court would reverse the successful decisions of the lower courts and the exciting possibility that it wouldn't. Lois, however, tends to take things in stride and understands the joy of the moment. Since she was not in a state hospital but enjoying a trip to D.C. with her friends and supporters, her focus was on that day of freedom and adventure. In fact, she insisted on a tour of the White House that day, asking if there was a chance she might see the President. Lois and Elaine, as well as the intense commitment of the disability community around the country, were truly our inspiration. And, as we all now know, the U.S. Supreme Court eventually held that the unjustified institutional isolation of people with disabilities is a form of unlawful discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act, thus taking a giant step forward for the millions of people with disabilities across the country. 

Lois’ story did not end after that landmark Supreme Court decision. In fact, that decision launched a new journey. After living in staffed residential homes since her release from the institution, Lois now rents a beautiful home in the Stone Mountain area of Georgia. She chose a fellow artist and friend to be her roommate. In 2010 a non-profitmicroboard was created to help foster Lois' continuing independence. A microboard is a group of friends set up to assist with the services and supports for one individual. In her case, Lois' microboard was critical to helping her gain access to a Medicaid waiver program for self-directed services.

Lois’ career as an artist has taken off. Initial support from a U.S. Department of Labor customized employment grant in 2004 drew advocates to her side that resulted in several one-woman exhibits and recognition within the arts community for her uninhibited artistic expression. One painting was recently auctioned for $1,400! But Lois doesn’t care about that. When I asked her what her artwork means to her, she responded, “My art been around a long time. I came along when my art came along. Drawing pretty pictures is a way to meet God in the world like it is.”

Lois is once again taking the lead and helping those who choose to integrate into the community. She wants to show parents and family members that with the right supports and services, life in the community is not only possible but can also be very rewarding. The Obama Administration is helping to make this possible by strongly supporting the full implementation of the Olmstead decision, helping ensure the full integration of people with disabilities into the work, recreational, and social life of our society.  

On June 20, 2011, 12 years after her visit to the Supreme Court, Lois has not only seen the President but presented him with a gift of one of her original paintings in the Oval Office, in the style of a visiting dignitary. The "Girl in Orange Dress" is one in a series of three pastel self portraits Lois created since she has no photographs to mark her childhood.  

Sue Jamieson is an attorney with the Atlanta Legal Aid Society Mental Health and Disability Rights Unit. She was the lead attorney in Olmstead v. L.C.

Mentally disabled? Ga. Supreme court says 'prove it'

Alphonso Stripling (Courtesy of the GA Dept. of Corrections)

Although Georgia was the first state to prohibit the execution of mentally disabled people in capital cases, the state's high court upheld what's been described as a "stringent" law concerning how retardation is determined.

According to the Georgia Supreme Court, defendants who claim to be mentally disabled have the burden of proving it "beyond a reasonable doubt," making ours the only state with a reasonable-doubt standard. In every other state that allows capital punishment, a mental handicap can be proven by a “preponderance of the evidence.”

One Justice worried that the law allows for the possibility that mentally disabled people could, in fact, be put to death in Georgia. In his dissent, Judge Robert Benham wrote:

“Setting a standard so high as to require proof beyond a reasonable doubt greatly increases the chance that any mentally retarded person will be executed — an outcome absolutely prohibited by the Eighth Amendment."

Are we so focused on maximizing the absolute penalty of death that we would risk wrongfully executing someone with a clinically identified mental disability? To do so is an impermissible violation of our Constitution and a senseless assault against morality and human decency. Accordingly, I would join the majority of jurisdictions imposing the death penalty which require a defendant alleging a mental disability to prove his deficiency by a preponderance of the evidence.”

The ruling was in reaction to the trial of Alphonso Stripling, who was convicted of and sentenced to death for shooting two men in a Kentucky Fried Chicken in 1988. The Supreme Court granted Stripling a new trial, not to determine his guilt or innocence, but strictly to determine whether or not he is mentally disabled. If Stripling can prove his handicap, he'll face life imprisonment rather than lethal injection.

Stuart, Gwynedd. "Mentally disabled? Ga. Supreme court says 'prove it'" Creative Loafing. 6/13/11. Posted 6/15/11

Long Road Home Events June 2011

If you live in Georgia, please come out and show your support for the local efforts to gain access to community living for people with disabilities still living in institutions...

Long Road Home
150 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 430 Decatur, GA 30030
Contact: Cheri Mitchell, Chair -678-755-6015 E-mail: cherimitchellg@gmail.com
Contact: Jenny Puestow –404-885-1234 E-mail: jpuestow@thegao.org

LONG ROAD HOME 2011 EVENTS
Events Scheduled to Celebrate the Landmark Supreme Court Olmstead Decision and to Bring Attention to People with Disabilities Still Confined in Institutions

Schedule of Events
•    Wednesday, June 15 –Decatur, GA
Featuring music, art, food, informational discussion, and freedom stories.
Location and time: Holy Trinity Church, 515 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, GA 30030; 11 am to 2 pm
Contact: Josh Cusick–jbcusick@gmail.comor Jenny Puestow –404-885-1234

•    Thursday, June 16 –Dalton, GA
Featuring refreshments until 4:30 and speakers Tally Wells, Andy Wade, and Tammy Ruggles
Location and time: Dalton City Hall, 300 W. Waugh St., Dalton, GA 30720; 4 pm to 6 pm
Contact: Faith Reed –423-902-5896 or 706-278-8143

•    Saturday, June 18 –Gainesville, GA
Featuring a free hotdog lunch, music from the Lefty Williams Band, and other talents.
Location and time: Roosevelt Square in downtown Gainesville; 11 am to 2:30 pm
Contact: The Disability Resource Center –770-534-6656

•    Monday, June 20 –Savannah, GA
Featuring guest speaker Willie Bivins.
Location and time: Living Independence for Everyone (LIFE), Inc.,12020 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA 31419; 11 am to noon
Contact: Mark Swift –mswift@lifecil.comor 912-920-2414

•    Tuesday, June 21 –North Augusta, SC
Featuring a showing of the First Long Road Home video, inducted into the Civil Rights Hall of Fame in 2005.
Location and time: Walton Options, 325 Georgia Ave., N. Augusta, SC 29841;Time: To be announced
Contact: Carla Cook –803-279-9611

•    Wednesday, June 22 –
•    Main Celebration at the Georgia Capitol Building in Atlanta
Featuring speakers, and an art display featuring the work of artists with disabilities.
Location and time: Georgia State Capitol, South Wing rotunda, downtown Atlanta
Contact: Jenny Puestow –404-88-1234 or jpuestow@thegao.org
 
•    Wednesday, June 22 –Bainbridge, GA
This event will feature refreshments.
Location and time: Decatur County Senior Center, 402 W. Water St., Bainbridge, GA 39817; 2 pm to 4 pm
Contact: BAIN, Inc., Center for Independent Living –229-246-0150 or bain@surfsouth.com. RSVP requi

•    Wednesday, June 22 –Fitzgerald, GA
Featuring a march and rally.
Location and time: The Jessamine Place, 402 S. Main St., Fitzgerald, GA 31750; 9 am to noon
Contact: Constance Foster –229-426-5298

•    Wednesday, June 22 –Rome, GA
This event will feature a Lunch-and-Learn.
Location and time: Sara Hightower Regional Library, Oostanaula and Etowah Rooms, 205 RiverSidePkwy., NE, Rome, GA 30161; 9 am to 1 pm
Contact: Andy Wade –706-314-0008 or 866-888-7845

For more Info go to www.peoplefirstga.org

Long Road Home thanks the following organizations for making these events possible:
Atlanta Legal Aid’s Disability Rights and Mental Health Unit
BAIN, Inc.
Center for Leadership on Disability
Cross Plains Community Partner
disABILITYLINK Northwest
Disability Resource Center
Georgia Advocacy Office
Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities
Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network
Friends of L’Arche Atlanta
Holy Trinity Church
Jessamine Place
Living Independence for Everyone (LIFE), Inc.
People First of Atlanta
People First of Fitzgerald
People First of Georgia
People First Northeast GA Chapter
People First Northwest GA Chapter
People First of Thomasville
Walton Options

Rep. Tom Rice stops by Conversations that Matter: Gwinnett

Disability Snapshot Survey

Dear Participant,

Your opinions matter! A team of researchers from the University of Michigan are gathering
information about people with a variety of impairments and conditions. We have developed
a snapshot survey and look forward to your participation. Your input is very important to us.

Please Note: This survey is for People with Disabilities themselves, not caretakers
of or service-providers for those with disabilities.

The survey should take no more than 5-10 MINUTES to complete.  If you agree to be part of
the survey, you will be asked to provide basic information about yourself and your
condition.Your responses are very important to the success of this initiative, which we
hope will benefit people with disabilities in many communities. 

Your answers will be completely CONFIDENTIAL, and you will in no way be identified with
them. There are occasional and infrequent reasons why people other than the researchers
may need to see information you provide as part of the study.  This includes organizations
responsible for making sure the research is done safely and properly, including the University
of Michigan or government offices.  However, only combined data in the form of averages will
be used in analyses, interpretation, reports, publications, or presentations. You will NEVER
be identified in any report. The data you provide will be stored on password-protected
computers that can only be accessed by members of the research team.  The researchers
will retain an electronic database of survey responses indefinitely for use in future research
studies conducted by members of our lab.  However, this database will not contain
information that could identify you.

There are few if any foreseeable risks associated with this survey, and no direct benefit to
you, although we hope our research will benefit people with disabilities across the United
States. Your participation is completely voluntary, and you may skip any question
at any time. Also, you may withdraw from the study by not completing it without any
consequences.  If you have questions about your rights as a research participant,
or wish to obtain information, ask questions or discuss any concerns about this study with
someone other than theresearcher(s), please contact the University of Michigan Health
Sciences and Behavioral Sciences Institutional Review Board, 540 E Liberty St., Ste 202,
Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2210, (734) 936-0933 [or toll free, (866) 936-0933],
irbhsbs@umich.edu. By answering the survey questions, you indicate your voluntary
agreement to participate in this research and have your answers included (anonymously) in
the results.

If you have any questions about this survey research, please contact our research
team at Rottenstein.Lab@umich.edu

By taking a few minutes to share your experiences as a person with a disability, you will be
helping us a great deal! 

Many Thanks,

Adena Rottenstein, M.S.

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan

adena@umich.edu

Lorraine Gutierrez, Ph.D.

Faculty Advisor

University of Michigan

lorraing@umich.edu 

Phone: (734) 936-9124

Study ID: HUM00044918   

IRB: Health Sciences and Behavioral Sciences   

Date Approved: 3/15/2011

Take the survey here

Law Students Help Parents Exercise Their Educational Rights

Photo by: ANDREW DAVIS TUCKER

By sixth grade, Liam Ellis was doing well enough academically to transition from special education into a mainstream classroom. But after one classroom incident related to his Asperger’s syndrome, school officials wanted to send him back to special ed.

“His grades were up and then he had an issue that caused a setback and instead of trying to help him, he basically was put in in-school suspension for a month,” Liam’s mom Pam Ellis says.

Ellis turned to the UGA School of Law for help. Working with law students in the school’s special education racticum, she was able to navigate the public school system policies to keep her son in the regular classroom and receive the services he needs to be a success there.

Directed by Torin Togut, an attorney with the Georgia Legal Service Program, who launched the program at UGA in 2006, the special education practicum provides legal assistance and advocacy to lower-income families with special needs children to ensure their children receive the free, appropriate public education that they are promised under federal law.

While the program provides a valuable service to parents, it also gives students a firsthand look at one area of the law they may be working in once they graduate. The seminar portion of the practicum allows students to discuss their clients’ experiences with Togut and each other.

“I was interested in getting practical experience… I wanted to see how it is in reality,” says Emily Boness (JD ’10), who participated in the practicum.

Law student Sonya Elkins meets with Pam Ellis and her son Liam, 11, at the Georgia Legal Services program office as part of the UGA School of Law’s special education practicum. Elkins and other law students helped Ellis navigate public school system policies so that Liam can receive the services he needs.

The practicum lasts a semester and complements work the students perform in the classroom. The students are assigned in pairs to parents seeking help for their children. They review case files, meet with clients and research laws to build a case to take to school board officials. They also observe Togut in the courtroom and at school meetings.

“Maybe most importantly what they learn is not only skills, but they see their supervisors, who are acting as lawyers. They see people doing what they came here to do,” law school Associate Dean Paul M. Kurtz says.

The special education practicum is one of 12 clinics now offered through the law school to provide students real world experience while earning their degrees.

Boness recalls a father who stopped to thank her after a frustrating, three-hour school meeting.

“He knew it was important to get his son through school, and he appreciated us being there,” she says. “And I thought, this is what it’s all about… this makes it worth it.”

To learn more about the School of Law clinics, go to http://www.law.uga.edu/clinical-programs.

TIA - Atlanta Regional Roundtable

Beginning the week of June 13, the Atlanta Regional Transportation Roundtable will host 10 telephone town hall meetings, one in each county. The meetings will give local officials from each county who serve on the Roundtable a chance to hear from you about your transportation concerns and priorities. More than a million people will receive calls and be invited to participate in the telephone town halls. However, anyone can join a call by using the 800 number and PIN.

Roundtable members will work throughout the summer to select the projects that voters will be asked to approve in July 2012. This telephone town hall is one of many ways the Roundtable will gather public input. If you have any questions, please call Kathryn Lawler at 404.463.3296.

The current schedule for the Roundtable conversations is:
(the Dial in Number is 888-886-6603)

Date	Jurisdiction	Pin
June 13th 6pm	Henry County	16717
June 13th 7:15 pm	Douglas County	16718
June 14th 6pm	Cherokee County	16719
June 14th 7:15 pm	Cobb County	16720
June 15th 7:15 pm	DeKalb County	16722
June 20th 6pm	Fayette County	16723
June 20th 7:15pm	Gwinnett County	16724
June 21st 6pm	Rockdale County	16725
June 22nd 6pm	Fulton County	16727
June 22nd 7:15pm	Clayton County	16728

For more information including a schedule of all future meetings, please go to the Roundtable website at:  www.atlantaregionalroundtable.com

Atlanta Regional Commission
40 Courtland St. NE
Atlanta Georgia 30303 

Conversations that Matter: Gwinnett

We have extended the RSVP till Wed. June 8th.

Gwinnett Conversations that Matter

We would like to invite you to attend Conversations that Matter: Community Support. Join us for conversations, connections and collaboration on community supports. Parents and family members of individuals with disabilities, self advocates, and professionals working in the disability supports and services, school personnel, and other community leaders will be attending.

When:     June 13, 2011
                7:00pm-7:30pm Refreshments
                and Reception
                7:30pm-9:00pm Program

Where:   Busbee Center at Gwinnett Technical College
                5150 Sugarloaf Parkway
                Lawrenceville, GA 30043-5702
               

Presenting Sponsor:
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Division of Developmental Disabilities

Lead Organizer: 
All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD)

Please RSVP
Christine Kramlich
tviandb@gmail.com

Heidi Fernandez
678-699-3531

Conversations that Matter: Gwinnett

Join us for conversations, connections and collaboration on community supports. Parents and family members of individuals with disabilities, self-advocates, and professionals working in the disability supports and services, school personnel, and other community leaders will be attending.

When:     June 13, 2011
               7:00pm-7:30pm Refreshments
               and Reception
               7:30pm-9:00pm Program

Where:   Busbee Center at Gwinnett Technical College
               5150 Sugarloaf Parkway
               Lawrenceville, GA 30043


Presenting Sponsor:
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Division of Developmental Disabilities

Lead Organizer:  
All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD)

Please RSVP by June 6 to:
Christine Kramlich
tviandb@gmail.com